Gifts for the Teacher?

Got your school supply lists?

Pencils-sharpened...96? Check. Wait...does Junior really need 96?

Glue sticks...20? Check...wait...TWENTY freakin' glue sticks????

Dry erase markers? Check...

Wait...What?

Does Junior really use dry erase markers?

Parent: "Junior...do you use these dry erase markers in class?"

Junior: "Oh...those are gifts for teacher."

30 years ago, kids brought apples as gifts for teacher. Now..they shower them with dry erase markers for those spanky new white boards.

We get providing Junior with the supplies that Junior will use during the school year.

But supplies for the teacher to use...not so much.

Class supply lists are out of control.

Suddenly class supply lists have become extensions of the school district budget heaped onto the shoulders of parents. It's a nice way for the district to get supplies it needs outside of the budget, so they can spend budget dollars on more important things...like raises...and KitKats...and bottled water...and newspaper subscriptions to read in the john.

It's not right...but nothing will change until people take a stand and speak out. We hear the grumbling, but the school board needs to hear it.